Actinotaenium habeebense (Irénée Marie) nov. comb., a rare, drought-resistant desmid

Abstract

A fuller description than hitherto available is provided for the rare, drought-resistant desmid originally named Staurastrum habeebense. The taxonomy of the desmid is discussed and it is argued that it is not a Staurastrum. On the basis of its chloroplast structure and the disposition of pores on the cell wall it is transferred to Actinotaenium. The remarkable ability of the desmid to survive and recover from desiccation for periods of up to 6 months is described.